The Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union has decided to abandon its proposal to scan messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal. The Chat Control 2 initiative aimed at monitoring user messages for potential child sexual abuse material by employing artificial intelligence to scan images, videos, and URLs. A vote on this contentious proposal scheduled for June 20 was canceled due to insufficient support.
Matthew Nimerg, the co-founder of Aleph Zero, a blockchain platform utilizing zero-knowledge proofs for private smart contracts, criticized the legislation, stating that while its intention to combat illegal content sharing is commendable, the proposed abuse monitoring scheme infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens. Nimerg emphasized that resorting to spying on citizens under the pretext of public safety is not a viable solution and could have negative historical implications.
Nimerg further warned that if enacted, the legislation would pose a greater invasion of privacy for ordinary users than for criminal entities. He argued that the proposed measures would likely be ineffective in deterring tech-savvy criminals, who could easily circumvent the law using alternative open-source software tools.
The EU’s chat control legislation, initially introduced in 2023, has been subject to modifications over time. Originally, the legislation sought broader powers, including access to text messages and audio content, but was later revised to involve only scanning of images, video, and URLs using AI. Users would need to consent to these scans to access the feature. However, critics fear that such diluted regulations could pave the way for further encroachments on privacy rights in the future.
In a statement on June 20, Member of the European Parliament Patrick Breyer expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of granting regulators broad surveillance powers. Comparing the EU bill to the U.K.’s Online Safety Bill, Breyer highlighted the risks of governmental overreach and the erosion of privacy rights under the guise of child protection.
Although the Chat Control 2 law has not yet secured parliamentary approval, the possibility of its revival in a revised form remains, raising uncertainties about regulatory intent and future implications. The stance of regulators on the matter could influence the fate of the legislation moving forward.
Considering the experiences in the U.K., where similar legislation raised privacy concerns and prompted messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal to contemplate exiting the market, there is a growing awareness of the delicate balance between security measures and individual privacy rights. Advocates stress the importance of safeguarding judicial oversight in any surveillance activities involving messaging apps to prevent disproportionate intrusions on privacy and to ensure effective protection for children.